Creating Connection Through Dance: Kristy and Alyssa’s Wiggle & Giggle Dance Journey

For Kristy and Alyssa, Wiggle & Giggle Dance was created from a deeply personal experience and a desire to make a difference in their community.

After struggling to find a music and dance program where Kristy’s son, Eli, could genuinely participate and feel accepted, they recognised a gap in the market for a welcoming and affordable space where people of all ages and abilities could enjoy music, movement and social connection.

Drawing on Alyssa’s experience in dance, music and performance, alongside Kristy’s background in caring, business and supporting people with additional needs, they launched Wiggle & Giggle Dance nine months ago.

Today, Wiggle & Giggle runs weekly dance and social groups focused on community, connection, movement and inclusion. Their sessions provide a welcoming environment where participants can engage in their own way, helping to build confidence, encourage self-expression and create a stronger sense of belonging.

Rather than focusing on perfect dancing, Wiggle & Giggle is all about connection, enjoyment and creating a safe space where everyone feels valued, accepted and celebrated.

Working with Many Rivers

We were first referred to Many Rivers years ago when Kristy was running her photography business. When we came up with the idea for Wiggle & Giggle Dance, we reached out and self-referred for support.

Many Rivers provided us with business coaching and advice, which helped us navigate the process of starting and growing our business. Having access to guidance and support gave us confidence as we turned our idea into a reality.

Biggest Challenge

Our biggest challenge has been building awareness and helping families understand that Wiggle & Giggle is different from a traditional dance class.

We have also faced challenges finding a suitable venue that is accessible, welcoming and able to meet the needs of our participants. Creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported is incredibly important to us, so finding the right space has been a key focus.

Biggest Success

Our biggest success has been seeing the positive impact we have had on families.

One mum told us:

“It’s so refreshing and uplifting to speak to someone who respects my child for where they’re at. We don’t often come across services, especially in leisure, that are happy for kids to come as they are.”

Moments like this remind us why we started Wiggle & Giggle.

We are also incredibly proud to give our Giggle Buddies opportunities to perform at events such as the Gold Coast Eisteddfod and the Disability Expo. Seeing participants share what they have learnt while showcasing their confidence and individuality in front of others has been a rewarding experience.

Biggest Change

The biggest change for us has been feeling like we are finally part of a community that we genuinely relate to, while also being able to provide that same sense of connection and belonging to other families.

Most importantly, we have finally been able to see Eli participate in ways that we could not find elsewhere. We get to watch him engage in ways that feel comfortable for him, without pressure or expectations.

Some days it may look like he is not paying attention, but then on a confident day, he will stand up and join in with the routine. It shows us that even on the days when he chooses to watch, he is still learning and taking everything in. Those moments are incredible and remind us that participation can look different for everyone.

Starting our business has also given us greater flexibility in our lives. We are building our work around the future we want to create for ourselves, making time for other goals and hobbies, involving our children in parts of what we do and creating routines that are more meaningful and better suited to our lifestyles.

Future Goals

We have many big dreams for the future of Wiggle & Giggle Dance.

We hope to continue growing, expanding what we offer and creating even more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect, participate and feel included.

In the future, we would love to have a permanent space of our own, expand the activities and support we provide, create more performance and social opportunities for our members, and continue making dance, movement and connection accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Our goal remains the same as when we first started: to create a place where everyone is accepted as they are, can participate in their own way and feels a genuine sense of belonging, friendship and community.

Learn More About Wiggle & Giggle Dance

Wiggle & Giggle Dance provides inclusive dance and social programs that focus on connection, confidence and belonging for people of all ages and abilities.